Who Can Be Held Responsible After a Truck Crash?

Many truck accidents result from more than one party’s negligence. Our legal team evaluates every angle to determine who should be held accountable, which may include:

• The truck driver – Distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, or impairment
• The trucking company – Poor training, negligent hiring, or hours-of-service violations
• Freight loaders – Improperly loaded or overweight cargo
• Maintenance contractors – Faulty repairs or skipped inspections
• Truck or parts manufacturers – Defective brakes, tires, or steering components
• Other vehicle occupants – If their behavior distracted or interfered with the driver

Naming all responsible parties is key to maximizing compensation and ensuring no liable entity escapes accountability.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Columbia, SC

Our firm frequently handles cases involving:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Driver fatigue and hours-of-service violations
• Driving under the influence of prescription or illicit drugs
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, eating, etc.)
• Equipment failure (brakes, tires, lighting)
• Poor road conditions and unfamiliar routes
• Cargo shifts or overloading

These crashes often happen at high speeds on interstates like I-26 or I-20 or on congested urban streets in Richland County, putting everyone nearby at serious risk.

What You Should Do After a Columbia Truck Accident

Truck accidents are traumatic and confusing, but your actions immediately after the crash can greatly influence the success of your claim:

1. Seek medical attention immediately – Even if injuries are not obvious, internal damage and head injuries can take hours or days to emerge.

2. Call law enforcement and request a report – An official police record provides critical documentation.

3. Gather information – Obtain the truck driver’s name, employer, insurance info, license plate, and vehicle ID numbers.

4. Speak to witnesses – Collect names and contact information from anyone who saw the crash.

5. Take photos – Document the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.

6. Write down your memory of the crash – Include time, location, road conditions, and events leading up to the collision.

7. Do not admit fault – Avoid statements like “I’m sorry,” which can be misinterpreted as accepting blame.

How to Strengthen Your Truck Accident Claim

The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim will be. You can support your case by preserving:

• Photos of the crash and your injuries
• The police accident report
• Medical records and receipts
• Documentation of lost wages and job limitations
• Proof of out-of-pocket expenses (transportation, home care, therapy)

This information helps demonstrate the extent of your damages and supports your attorney’s efforts to negotiate or litigate on your behalf.